Ri-me Society

Introduction to Ri-mé Society-Celebrating the Living Dharma

The Ri-mé Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the study, preservation, and continuation of the teachings and practices of Vajrayana Buddhism. Ri-mé Society provides talks, seminars, classes, and group practices for those seeking an introduction to the Buddhist teachings as well as for experienced practitioners.

Ri-mé is a Tibetan word that means non-sectarian or unbiased. The Ri-mé Society is named for the renaissance of spiritual practice that originated in India and Tibet, ignited by brilliant and highly realized teachers and practitioners. The Ri-mé spirit represents—then and now—a great emphasis on direct meditative experience and realization combined with deep intellectual understanding and insight—an openness not constrained by sectarian bias.

The Ri-mé spirit recognizes all traditions and lineages of Buddhism as authentic, effective spiritual paths. Ri-mé also refers to a disposition and outlook in relation to the spiritual path, to life, and toward others of varying beliefs. This seems vital in these times of sectarianism, intolerance, and violent extremism.

Ri-mé Society was founded by students of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a consummate Ri-mé master of the Buddhist teachings who introduced Vajrayana Buddhism to the West. He is known for his penetrating teaching style and highly skillful manner of presenting the core of Buddhism in the idioms of the English language and through modern intellectual disciplines, cultural expressions and the arts. As Trungpa Rinpoche himself said, “The Dharma is always up to date.”

Through the offerings of Ri-mé Society, we have discovered that when we gather for practice and learning, a powerful atmosphere and sense of meaning emerges. It is in such an environment of mutual journey and insight that we can mutually celebrate the living Dharma. We aspire that in so doing this world may benefit—now and in the future. We invite you to join in.

This class will explore one of the most famous collections of Shabkar, The Flight of the Garuda, which is a series of songs “illustrating the point of view of Cutting Through, according to the Luminous Great Perfection, endowed with the power of enabling one to swiftly traverse all the paths and levels.”